Anthony Joshua vs. Mike Tyson: The Impossible Match

The idea of Anthony Joshua facing off against Mike Tyson is a popular discussion topic among boxing enthusiasts. However, while the matchup is intriguing, it is highly improbable and unwisely one-sided. Tyson may have been the king of the ring for many years, but he is not the heavyweight champion he once was. Given his advanced age and the physical demands of fighting, such a match would be not only irresponsible but also dangerous.

Why a Tyson---Joshua Match Is Irresponsible

First and foremost, tying an elite fighter from the past like Tyson with a current competitor like Joshua does not hold up in reality. Tyson's prime era was marked by incredible power and speed. At 53 years old, Tyson does not possess the stamina, agility, or sharp reflexes necessary for a full bout with a physically formidable modern champion.

Adding to the issue is the fact that Tyson is currently 52 and has been retired for over a decade. His career at 24 to 27 is considered by many to be legendary, so attempting to place him in today's boxing world would be akin to placing a fighter from another universe. This is further compounded by the fact that his weight would not be suitable for the modern boxing ring. Tyson, who was once 222 pounds, is now around 272 pounds, which is far from optimal for a high-stamina match.

The Nightmare Match Against George Foreman

A prime example of a terrifying boxer from the past is George Foreman, who once incarnated Tyson's nightmare. Tyson, known for his fear of being hit in the chin, would have to leave his body completely exposed. This would mean facing a massive body puncher like Foreman, who threw punches from every angle—high, low, wide, and from the middle.

Joshua, on the other hand, is patient and relies on his strength to take out opponents. This kind of defensive and methodical approach would not be effective against Tyson, who would quickly overwhelm him with powerful, relentless punches. Tyson's speed and relentless aggression would make Joshua a punching bag or worse.

Styles Make Matches: Why Mike Tyson Would Dominate

Robert Smith, a frequent critic of boxing, illogically claims that Joshua is better than Lennox Lewis. This is a clear disregard for factual inaccuracies and the quality of these fighters. Joshua is more akin to a ponderous, slow boxer who relies on his strength. Lewis, on the other hand, was a boxing genius with incredible footwork and adaptability.

A match between a modern heavyweight like Joshua and a prime Tyson would be absurd. Lewis versus Tyson would be exceptionally close, but Joshua, being overweight and lacking the boxing skills, would be completely outmatched. Tyson, in his prime, would likely obliterate Joshua due to his superior chin and the sheer power and speed he possessed.

Why Tyson Fury Would Be a Better Opponent

Instead of pitting Joshua against Tyson, a bout between Tyson Fury and a prime Tyson would make more sense. Fury, with his boxing skills, 85-inch reach, and athleticism, would be better suited to handle Tyson's relentless power. His footwork and size would allow him to stay outside the firing range, effectively neutralizing Tyson's attacks.

Similarly, Deontay Wilder, with his powerful left hook, would have a chance against Tyson. With his reach and athleticism, he could stay outside Tyson's range and hit him, potentially overloading his power. However, Hugo Male, the boxing writer and historian, aptly points out that pure weight and bulk do not equate to skill in boxing.

Recognizing Skill Over Size

In the boxing world, skill and technique are often more crucial than sheer size. A boxer's footwork, adaptability, and ring sense are critical in determining their success. George Foreman and Mike Tyson exemplify this; while Foreman was a physical powerhouse, Tyson's combination of aggression and speed defined his dominance in the ring.

Frank Thomas, a boxing historian, explains that true boxing skill goes beyond size, focusing on technique, strategy, and agility. Without these qualities, a fighter like Joshua would be overwhelmed by a fighter of Tyson's caliber.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the thought of a match between Anthony Joshua and Mike Tyson is a fun, albeit impractical, idea. Tyson’s age, current weight, and the physical and psychological demands of boxing at his level would make such a bout not only unwise but also potentially dangerous. The focus should instead be on fighters like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, whose skills and instincts would make them more capable opponents for a boxer of Tyson’s caliber.